We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

This article contains a discussion by TripAdvisor members concerning the above topic.
Please note that the discussion was closed to any additional postings as of Nov 1, 2016
and, as such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated and cannot be
commented on by travelers at this time. Please take this into account when making your
travel plans.

Telephone numbers in Japan consist of three parts, for example, (03) 1234-5678. The first part is the area code, the second is the exchange and the third is the subscriber’s number. Keep in mind that area codes can consist of up to four numbers. Phone numbers starting with 0120 are toll free calls (free dial) but cannot be called from outside Japan. People answer the phone by saying "moshi, moshi" which is the greeting used for telephone calls only.

The green phones are very common and accept 10 yen and 100 yen coins and prepaid cards. International calls can only be made from ones that have gold faces.

The gray phones are also very common and accept 10 yen and 100 yen coins and prepaid cards. International calls can only be made from specially marked phones.

The orange phones are the newest type and accept 10yen and 100 yen coins and prepaid cards. International calls can be placed from all orange phones.

A local call costs 10 yen per minute. No change is given for partial use of a 100 yen coin. Prepaid telephone cards in different denominations can be purchased at numerous locations including convenience stores, train kiosks, vending machines and even souvenier shops. Domestic calls are cheaper in the early morning, late evening, weekends and national holidays.

Cell phone rental service is available and is provided by several companies and can be as simple as just bringing along your SIM card. There are rental counters in the major airports but check out these sources beforehand as it is usually more cost effective and convenient planning your service prior to departure: Cellular Abroad, Vodafone Global Rental,NTT DoCoMo International Roaming Center, and PuPuru.

If you would like to use
your personal cell phone (needs to be unlocked and GSM capable) or have another unlocked device, you may also consider
purchasing OneSimCard. It is a prepaid
service the offers coverage in over 200 countries, including Japan. If your
trip will be relatively short, they also provide renting options as well (this option is only available for individuals in
the U.S)

Some helpful numbers while in Tokyo:

Emergency Assistance:

(0120) 461-997 English

Emergency: if calling from a public phone some require you press the red button and then dial

110 for Police

119 for Fire/Ambulance

Police: General Information

(03) 3501-0110 Japanese/English

(03) 3503-8484 English and several other languages

Tokyo Tourist Information:

(03) 3201-3331 English

010 ( zero one zero ) is the International Access Code you use to dial an overseas number from 'within' Japan.

81 ( eight one ) is the International Telephone Country Code for Japan